Q: My questions concern the notion of pride in Islam. I would like to clarify that I am a man, and I apologize for the length of my questions.
I would like to know whether pride is permissible in Islam—pride without arrogance, while being aware that it is Allah who provides. For example, is it permissible for me to tell my younger brother that I am proud of him for passing his exams?
From what I understand, pride in one’s ancestors, origins, and ‘asabiyyah is haraam. In parallel, Allah the Most High says: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing and All-Aware.” (Qur’an 49:13) However, if this pride is not accompanied by arrogance or a feeling of superiority over other lineages and origins, is it permissible? I am obviously referring to Muslim ancestors of our origin, not disbelieving ancestors. Is it permissible to be proud of their history, their courage and bravery in fighting in the path of Allah, their good character, their way of dressing, their traditional craftsmanship, and to promote this pride among members of my people?
Likewise, is it permissible to be proud of one’s culture of origin—clothing, traditional food, craftsmanship, way of life, etc.—and to promote this pride among one’s people and encourage them to preserve certain cultural elements? I am referring here only to permissible customs. I would also like to clarify that I appreciate seeing Muslims from other backgrounds being proud (without arrogance or a sense of superiority) of their cultures. For example, I appreciate seeing Arabs being proud and encouraging other Gulf Arabs to wear the shemagh/ghutra, or Afghans/Desi people wearing turbans and the salwar kameez. I mention this to show that my feeling is not limited to my own people, but applies to all Muslims without distinction. I also believe this can help counter the homogenization caused by the westernization of Muslim societies. If this is permissible, but this cultural pride is tied to the fact that we consider it the heritage of our (Muslim) ancestors, is it still permissible?
Finally, is it permissible to feel proud (without showing off, arrogance, or a sense of superiority) that people recognize my origin based on the clothing I wear when I travel (for a few days, not long-term) or during celebrations such as Eid (I live in a multicultural place where such clothing is not considered لباس الشهرة)?
A: Pride means to regard oneself superior to others on account of some good or some type of excellence that one has in his life and he considers this to be his personal achievement. This quality is greatly abhorred in the sight of Allah Ta'ala. It was this quality of pride in Shaitaan that became the cause for him being rejected in the court of Allah Ta'ala and thrown out of His divine mercy.
The reason for this quality being disliked by Allah Ta'ala is that one is attributing good to himself and is regarding it as his own personal achievement, whereas whatever good a person has is granted to him by Allah Ta'ala. Hence, at all times, a person should remain humble and attribute the good he has to Allah Ta'ala.
However, if a person mentions the good he has to people without boasting and showing off, and in a way that he expresses gratitude to Allah Ta'ala for it, without making people feel inferior, and he does not regard the good he has as his own achievement but rather regards it to be the grace of Allah Ta'ala upon him, then this is permissible and is not regarded as pride. It is merely expressing gratitude to Allah Ta'ala for His favours.
As far as clothing is concerned, then one should dress according to the sunnah and one should promote the sunnah. The same relates to one's character and actions. One should practice the sunnah and promote the sunnah.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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